Official qualification of Algeria for the World Cup: Zidane and Aouar react

World Cup 2026 10 October 2025 at 09:34

Mahdi Zakaria LAZRI

News Editor

Although not listed on the official match sheet, Luca Zidane still celebrated enthusiastically Algeria’s qualification for the 2026 World Cup. Selected as the third-choice goalkeeper, the son of the legendary Zinedine Zidane shared in his teammates’ joy after the decisive victory and spoke for the first time to Algerian media from inside the Miloud Hadefi Stadium in Oran:

“It’s an incredible feeling… We are going to the World Cup. We experienced an exceptional atmosphere with these amazing fans who pushed us with all their strength to secure this win and seal our qualification.”

The Granada shot-stopper, however, avoided discussing his personal situation with the Fennecs, as his international choice had sparked controversy following revelations from a former FAF official claiming he had refused the call-up two years ago.

Meanwhile, Houssem Aouar made a point of reassuring fans, promising even better performances in the future:

“Hard work always pays off, Algeria is in the 2026 World Cup,”

he wrote on X.

“Let’s write a new chapter in our history, this is only the beginning.”

he added.

The Al-Ittihad playmaker will now have to raise his game, especially since Farès Chaïbi took advantage of his absence to make his mark and shake up the pecking order.

Read also: World Cup (Q) – Algeria: Lakhdar Belloumi gives golden advice to Vladimir Petkovic